On the Right Side of the Market™

Welcome to this Three Minute Talk™ for Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Just recently, inflation has unexpectedly begun to heat back up, and as a result nearly all investment assets have once again started to turn lower, some strongly and some only modestly. The direction of rates is one of the powerful forces in our system, and it's worth paying attention to. We do, every day, and I for one think that the Fed may have a big problem on its hands.  Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Talk™ for Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Just a quick check-in today ahead of the mid-April tax filing deadline in a couple of weeks and to let you know that we're here to help! As much as we all hate to think about it, it's important to remember that there's at least one silent partner in your investment accounts, and sometimes two. I'm talking about Uncle Sam and sometimes your particular State's Department of Revenue. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Talk™ for Tuesday, February 27, 2024 . I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now: First, the recent hotter-than-expected read on inflation sent a one-day ripple through the markets as fears are growing that the Fed might have to hold rates higher for longer than expected. Second, money market yields continue to hold at annual rates just a tick above 5.00%. That's healthy and is an attractive alternative to expected returns on some parts of the equity markets that carry a lot more inherent risk. Lastly, there are a lot of choices you can make while crafting your personal financial plan. But I want to pose to you what I think is the most important question to ask. Alright, let's jump right in – three minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Talk™ for Tuesday, February 13 , 2024 . I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Well, 2023 is officially in the books, and you know what? It was a solid year for our clients as a more cooperative market environment helped to produce measurable progress toward both investment and financial goals. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this special edition of On the Right Side of the Market Podcast™ for Wednesday, December 13, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group.For the overwhelming majority of our clients, the issue of estate planning is critical. Whether it's a simple will or a more complex trust, the wealth you've accumulated needs to be well-tended and well-managed, and at some point in the distant future needs to be distributed at the end of your life. The reality is that none of us will live forever; but what if in a meaningful way you could? What if your life's work and the wealth you've accumulated could in a very real way provide support for the people and issues that matter most to you? It absolutely can, and the way that you can accomplish this is by working with an attorney and choosing to work with a corporate trustee.  We're joined today by Anita Resch, Senior VP of Wealth with Johnson Financial Group in Green Bay. Anita, welcome to our podcast! Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk™ for Thursday, December 7, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Our flexible investment allocations have definitely tilted in a more assertive direction, with on-target exposure to all assets we want to own. That's a big change from just a month or so ago. And as we work our way to the end of 2023, Peter and I have been pleased with the performance of our core flexible strategies and hybrids this year. We often compare our outcomes to either the returns you can get from risk-free investing or to the returns from static strategies that don't adjust like ours do. And against both options, our flexible and hybrid strategies are having a great year. OK let's jump right in - three minutes starts now... Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute “Thanks” Talk™ for Tuesday, November 21, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Without a doubt, my favorite episodes of these podcasts have been the Thanksgiving editions. It's my favorite holiday – truly – because it's really one that I think should be celebrated not just on a Thursday near the end of November but every day. Gratitude is tops in my book of human virtues – it makes every moment of every day feel special - and I've got this year's list of things for which I'm especially thankful ready to go... Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk™ for Tuesday, November 7, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Two weeks ago I said that once the Fed see evidence of a slowing economy they'd signal it to the markets and the response would be immediately positive. They saw just that, they said so, and the response was exactly as predicted. But it's important to be clear that the pressure release on the markets last week still only brought much of the market closer to breakeven for the year.  Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk™ for Wednesday, November 1, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. It's appropriate that we're chatting the day after Halloween because the broad markets have definitely taken a turn for the worse, and the way we're currently positioned in both our flexible and hybrid strategies couldn't be any more defensive. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk™ for Wednesday, October 25, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. Just a quick check-in today to let you know that our flexible and hybrid strategies are currently invested far, far away from our targets, and that's on purpose. And although we'd prefer to be invested in our targeted assets, there's a great reason not to be, and it's simple: the current market environment just isn't favorable for most of them. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. 

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk™ for Thursday, October 19, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group. In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now. First, the market has become significantly less predictable over the past few weeks as interest rates have charged higher and then fell back late last week. It's prudent to be cautious heading into an earnings season that will undoubtedly amp up volatility. Second, we're in kind of a strange market environment right now where bad news is actually helpful from an economic standpoint. That shouldn't make sense and I hate to even mention it, but since the Fed is trying to slow down the economy and inflation, any outside events that are disruptive could actually be taken by the markets as a positive. Lastly, Appleton Group's integration with Johnson Financial Group has been going extremely well, with nearly all of our operating systems being already fully integrated. Our clients have told us that a smooth transition without disruption is best, and that's exactly what we're committed to delivering. OK let's jump right in – 3 minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® SVP - Senior Wealth Advisor hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

Welcome to this special edition of the On the Right Side of the Market Podcast, I'm Mark Scheffler, Senior Vice President for Wealth with Johnson Financial Group. We announced Appleton Group's merger with Johnson Financial Group almost 2 months ago, and the integration has been even smoother than expected. Over the past two months we've integrated all of our IT systems, all of our trading and strategy management systems, email, phones, and many more behind the scenes operational systems that continue to help us run efficiently. And behind all of this work are some incredibly talented people and I'm excited to introduce you to one of them today. Brian Andrew is the Executive Vice President of Wealth and Chief Investment Officer for Johnson Financial Group. Brian, welcome to our podcast. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and Senior VP of Wealth for Johnson Financial Group hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

Welcome to this three-minute trend talk for Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, CEO and Founder of Appleton Group. In case you're in a hurry, here are three things you need to know right now. First, the nearly year-long recovery rally in large cap growth and large cap blend tech has run its course, with these positions having achieved significant advances off of last year's lows. We've now taken solid profits in both of these areas in our flexible and in our hybrid strategies. Second, our overall allocations have recently become significantly more defensive, with the majority of our client assets now invested in treasury money markets that have a current yield just a bit north of 5%. Lastly, Peter and I are comfortable with how we're positioned right now, and really how we've been positioned for much of this year, especially given how we've managed to outperform most buy & hold strategies that have permanent exposure to the bond market, which is again down this year. Ok let's jump right in – three minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

Welcome to this Three Minute Trend Talk for Thursday, September 21, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, CEO and founder of Appleton Group. I want to share some very exciting news at our firm! For the last 21 years we've operated as an independent registered investment advisory firm, and we're excited to announce that on October 1, will become a part of another well-known company -- Johnson Financial Group. Although separate and distinct companies, Johnson Financial Group was founded by the same family that started the S.C. Johnson family of companies more than 130 years ago... Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

First, markets stumbled during the early going in September, which isn't surprising to us because seasonal weakness during this month is common, and our neutral posture reflects a suitable cautious outlook right now. Second, like so many homeowners in the City of Appleton and elsewhere, the sharp uptick in home prices has finally hit tax assessments, with higher valuations of 20-30% seeming to be common. Third, a very possible United Auto Workers' strike is a reflection of the current inflationary spiral we're in. The union is asking for a reduction in hours worked, improved benefits, and a 40% wage hike over the next 4 years. That's consistent with wage hikes that workers in general saw in the 1970s. Ok let's jump right in – three minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

Welcome to this three-minute trend talk for Tuesday, September 5, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, CEO and Founder of Appleton Group. In case you're in a hurry, here are three things you need to know right now: First, Labor Day marks the official end of summer investing season and on balance the summer started stronger than it ended, led by technology which continues to be our largest single sector exposure. Second, the fight against inflation is still a struggle that has to be won, but it's unfolding a LOT like it did in the early 1970s – and that should concern all of us. Third, while there are a bunch of reasons to include Appleton Group's flexible investment strategies in your diversified portfolio of investments, I'll give you what's in my top 3: it's the ability to have cash on-hand to buy over-inflated assets when a necessary market correction inevitably occurs.  Ok, let's jump right in. Three minutes starts now.   Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.⁠

Welcome to this three-minute trend talk for Tuesday, August 8, 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler, CEO and Founder of Appleton Group. I recently travelled to Scotland to attend my son's college graduation and it was a trip to remember! The airports were packed, the airline I flew with lost my luggage, and because of the strong economy, there was no one available to help. His graduation was bittersweet because although he finished his classes and turned in his dissertation, his professors refused to turn in his final grades because they're on strike. They want better wages, better working conditions, and better job security – and they are right to demand all three. Ok, let's jump right in. Three minutes starts now.   Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

The “bounceback” market we're in is now 6 months old, and our flexible, hybrid and traditional strategies all finished last quarter at yearly highs. We've spent a LOT of time this year on the right side of the market, especially in tech and large cap growth and we've minimized our exposure to those parts of the market whose risks continue to be high with little to show for it. It's been a really good first half of the year. Ok, let's jump right in. Three minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Welcome to this Three-Minute Trend Talk for Tuesday, June 13th 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler CEO and founder of Appleton Group. In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now. First, the asset allocation adjustments we've been making this year in response to market turns have been working quite well, especially in tech and other large-caps. Second, I've been thinking a lot lately about the twin role of both highly flexible investment strategies and less-flexible static strategies. At the end of the day, they both have important roles to play in a well-diversified portfolio and I can't imagine using just one alone. And lastly, this week's read on inflation will be watched closely to confirm that the supportive market environment for stocks hasn't been a mistake. Ok, let's jump right in. Three minutes starts now.   Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Welcome to this Three-Minute Trend Talk for Thursday, May 25th 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler CEO and founder of Appleton Group. I'm going to talk frankly and as honestly as I can when I say that there are three resources that we should all be listening to when it comes to the likelihood of a debt default: President Biden, Speaker McCarthy, and the market itself.  And I think it's worth listening to the markets, and in particular what the bond market is saying.  Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Welcome to this special edition of our three-minute trend talk for Tuesday, May 16th 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler CEO and founder of Appleton Group.  As I mentioned last week, there's a topic that's likely to be in the headlines a lot over the coming weeks and months and that the issue of the U.S. debt ceiling, which is the maximum amount of national debt authorized under current law. So what if Congress passes a spending bill that would result in an increase to the national debt? Well, since World War I that very situation has happened more than 90 times. But it's worth looking at what happens if the debt ceiling weren't raised and either a short- or long-term default were to occur. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Welcome to this special edition of our three-minute trend talk for Tuesday, May 9th 2023. I'm Mark Scheffler CEO and founder of Appleton Group. There's a topic that's likely to be in the headlines a lot over the coming weeks and months and that the issue of the U.S. debt ceiling. Our spending has grown considerably through both Republican and Democratically-controlled congresses and has been signed by Presidents from both parties. We're now at $31 trillion of debt, and the interest on that debt this year will cost more than the entire defense budget. But not raising the debt ceiling to pay for spending we've already approved is madness. No good can come of it, and defaulting on our debt just to make a political point no matter how just or right is a dangerous game.  Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now: First, unemployment and GDP data is showing a healthy economy with fewer jobs being created than last year and total economic output slowing modestly. Normally that'd be bad news, but the market is not taking it that way. Second, banks are starting to get more choosey about who they lend money to, and that makes sense because of some of the high-profile bank failures of late. And third, in the next month or two we're going to hear a lot more about the debt ceiling, about our national debt, and about the future of our economy. I'll be publishing a special 2-part trend talk on this important topic starting next week - it's definitely something you won't want to miss. OK let's jump right in – 3 minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Over the years, I've found it best to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. That's not always easy because we live in a complex world with lots of moving parts. But in the current market environment, there are three basic opportunities to cover your bases and diversify your retirement savings in ways that are simple and easy to understand. And with the opening of Brewers season now here, it's time to throw in as many cheesy baseball analogies as I can think of, but just this once.  Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

In case you're in a hurry, here are three things you need to know. First, the first quarter of the year is in the books and it went according to plan. Last year's losing sectors were among the top-performers and last years winners lagged pretty badly. Textbook. Second, the bank struggles of March increase the likelihood that the Fed might actually be done raising rates. And third, OPEC just surprised the oil markets with an unexpected cut in production, which increased oil prices right out of the gate today. My thought is that such a move is helpful in slowing down the economy and keeping the Fed on the sidelines. Ok, three minutes starts now... Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

We've been saying for 20 years that it would be great to get back to a more normal and balanced market environment and away from the ultra low interest rates that were necessary following the attacks of 9/11 and the Great Recession of 2008. So the silver lining of this inflationary period is that the markets have reset to an environment in which fixed rate or what some might call “risk free” investing is now a much more viable path, at least for a while. And that's an important thing to consider because it means that we can really get back to a more neatly packaged course of investing in three very different kinds of strategies, and we like to think of them as three “buckets.” So let's jump into what they are - three minutes starts now. Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. ⁠Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now. First, the high-profile bank struggles of the past few weeks highlight just how important and interconnected every financial institution is. And since these are all social institutions, it makes sense that society – you and me and everyone else – take steps to protect depositors. Second, Appleton Group automatically converted most money market assets in managed accounts to assets backed by U.S. Treasuries. It's worth mentioning again the double benefit of higher yields and increased security.  And third, you all know how much I love the wisdom of our ancestors, especially in the short nuggets of wisdom that should be passed down from generation to generation. Can you guess my favorite? Here's a hint: it starts off with “An ounce of prevention…” Mark Scheffler, AIF® and CEO of Appleton Group LLC (an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor) hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections). Investing involves risk. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Nothing in our commentary constitutes investment advice tailored to any specific person. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. Click here to view our current ADV disclosure document.

Wow, these are interesting times but in case you're in a hurry here are three things you need to know: First, you've probably already heard the news that there was a major bank failure last Friday, the biggest since 2009 which is sending ripples through the banking sector and through the bond market. It's a major concern, and the strategy adjustments we made over the past couple of weeks are really helping. Second, remember those great rates on Treasuries we talked about last week? They're gone, following a two-day move in interest rates that should have taken two years. And third, you've heard the phrase “Go big or go home,” right? Well, that applies to the moves we've made in all managed accounts to minimize our clients' exposure to FDIC-Insured bank deposits. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

As the Fed has raised rates, the interest paid on sweep money market funds has gone from next to nothing a year ago and to just under a half-percent per year right now. That's a big move. But it's nothing compared to the dramatic and relatively sudden increase in the rates on tradable money markets, which are now well above 4.0%. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

I want to talk about one thing today and that's a certain kind of investment (2 actually), that for the better part of 15 years had been a dead end. I'm talking about CDs and short-term treasuries. These vehicles are not a part of our flexible strategies since they're designed to be held until maturity and shouldn't. be actively bought and sold. But when the Fed started to raise rates early last year, rates shot up for all kinds of fixed income investments which finally makes them attractive for a lot of investors and savers. And right now, 1-year CDs and 1-year U.S. Government Treasuries have yields that are actually competitive with the long-term expected rates of return on stocks, real estate, and other asset classes. At Appleton Group, we've seen a LOT of interest – pun intended – in these intermediate-term investment vehicles, and so here are a couple of things you should know. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now. First, CD and 1-yr treasury rates are back to where they were 15 years ago, and Appleton Group has access to a national marketplace of some of the highest rates available nationally. For investors wanting to balance the potential for higher returns with a whole lot more predictability, we've got you covered. Second, with a lot of crosscurrents in the economy and the markets right now, we're taking a neutral posture with most of our flexible strategies which are holding 50-60% cash. We're not invested close to where we'd prefer to be, but we believe it's a prudent posture right now. Third, the Fed's new motto might be: “Darned if you do, darned if you don't.” And that's the problem – with only one tool in the toolbox, doing more of what didn't work last year doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

In case you're in a hurry, here are three things to know right now. First, 2023 is off to a solid start for both the markets and our managed strategies across the board. That's not surprising since markets had put in a floor back in early December and we've been invested more assertively since then. Second, last week's blockbuster employment number was a real shocker – more than a half million jobs created last month despite massive planned layoffs in the tech sector. You'd think that'd be good news, but it's not – it means that the Fed is going to have to keep hiking rates in an attempt to slow down inflation. And lastly, if you wanted me to give you one reason for the Fed and Congress to do everything possible to get inflation under control, I'll do you one better. I can give you 31 trillion reasons. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

In the first two episodes of my podcast in the new year of 2023, I laid out both an optimistic case and a pessimistic case for the markets, one for the bulls, and one for the bears. Now it's time to lay out how we think investors should approach the coming year with both scenarios in-mind. Because here's the important bit that needs to be said: it's VERY possible that BOTH scenarios unfold one after another.

As fiduciaries, it's our obligation to present both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for 2023 objectively and without bias. And as fellow investors and participants in a western-style free market economy, we certainly would prefer an optimistic case for the markets in the New Year. Who wouldn't? But of course that's not up to us; that chapter is the most desirable, but might not be the most realistic. Now the case for the bears. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

With 2022 now behind us, it's time to look forward to what the New Year could bring. And as is often true, there's a powerful optimistic case to be made for the bulls, and a very convincing and pessimistic case to be made on behalf of the bears. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

It's been our tradition for the week before Christmas to share my wish list that I send to Santa ahead of Christmas Eve. I believe with all my heart that Santa IS real, of course, but he works his magic through us as his elves in sometimes mysterious ways. I never ask for the gift of presents under the tree but instead for whatever non-material things may be missing from our lives. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

Recent data is definitely showing confirming evidence that inflation has peaked and now the process of what we'd call “dis-inflation” has started. And as a result, we're a LOT closer to our intended targets in every single strategy – which means that we're nearly fully invested and are taking advantage of recent support for both equities and fixed income. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

Just like there are traditional, hybrid and electric cars, there are three very similar investment strategies that we offer: traditional strategies (also known as “buy & hold,”), flexible strategies (which are novel and cutting edge in that they automatically adjust as market conditions change), and hybrid strategies that combine both traditional and flexible strategies together into a single diversified portfolio. I want to talk about the hybrid strategies for a bit, because we really think they're worth considering for nearly every investor right now.

It's been our tradition during Thanksgiving week to turn away from the news of the markets and the economy to focus on what this week is all about, gratitude for all of the great things that we have in our lives and for the things that money just can't buy. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

This morning's read on inflation showed real progress being made in stabilizing prices, albeit still at higher levels than a year ago. But any progress is welcome and the markets are responding nicely. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

We recognize that the world is quite a bit different today than it was a year ago, with an incredibly strong labor market, global inflation as high as it is and with the war in Ukraine continuing. And in response to a changing market environment, we've made a few minor strategy modifications worth noting. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

We want to take a moment to offer our thoughts not so much on where we are with the economy and the markets but rather where we think we're headed as we round out a very challenging 2022 and look forward to 2023 and beyond. But let us start by saying that we believe there is a very bright future ahead for all of humanity but with a few enormous challenges that society will have to overcome first. And it won't be without some inconveniences. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

To see just how unpredictable this year's market has been, we only need to look at the unusual declines in inflation-protected treasuries (TIPS). The idea is that when inflation is high, the interest rates on these bonds are reset at a higher rate to compensate for any inflation that exists in the economy. But through yesterday, a typical TIPS fund is DOWN more than 16% for the year. How? That doesn't make sense. Or does it? Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

One of my big projects for the week is that my 2009 book titled “On the Right Side of the Market” will be hitting the audio bookshelves next week on Audible and it's been a rewarding trip down memory lane as I've been narrating the book myself. Re-reading the book has reinforced that while it was written 12 years ago we're still dealing with nearly every issue I wrote about, and it's still as relevant today as it was back in 2009. The fallout of high-risk policies that were first enacted more than a decade ago are coming home to roost now, and so I have two new predictions to share on what I believe happens next. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

Appleton Group provides an important service to retirement plan participants that the vast majority of other advisors just don't, and that's our flexible allocation strategy that automatically adjusts how you're invested based on current market conditions. In rising markets, you'll automatically have more exposure to growth assets. In falling markets we automatically adjust how you're invested to reduce your exposure to the markets and to become more defensive. That's it in a nutshell, we've been managing participant assets using this strategy for more than 20 years, and I highly recommend you watch our “Beginner's Guide to Flexible Strategies” or to talk with one of our personal advisors to learn more about how they work. Right now, I'm going to show you how easy it is to open your PCRA, how to link it into Appleton Group, and how to transfer assets into the account to be managed in one of our flexible strategies.

Market volatility continues to be high, with wild swings both up and down. We're far away from where we want to be invested right now, and that's on purpose. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

One really powerful feature of many employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s is the self-directed brokerage option and specifically the Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account, also known as a PCRA. This feature gives plan participants a powerful gateway to a nearly endless universe of no-load mutual funds that aren't in your plan's standard lineup. Now most people might think that the PCRA is just a way for you to expand what you can invest in, but it's much more powerful than that, because there's a hidden feature that you might not know about: the Schwab PCRA is also a gateway to full-time, professional management of your retirement plan assets through a registered investment advisor like Appleton Group.

Whether you've been a client of ours for years or are just starting out, we've created this “Beginner's Guide to Flexible Strategies” to help you better understand how they work, how they're intentionally different from buy & hold strategies, and how they can best fit into your overall investment portfolio. We'll also cover their limitations, and what they're not designed to do. It's a quick 6-part course, with each chapter lasting around 5 minutes. So grab something to drink, maybe a snack and a blanket, and invest a half hour in getting more knowledgeable about Appleton Group's suite of flexible investment strategies.

NASA is headed back to the moon with the Artemis I mission, and will have to escape the earth's gravity and use the gravity of the moon to slingshot back. What does that have to do with investing? Stay tuned… Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

It's been a good month for the markets, but the economy is still struggling under the weight of a strong dollar and 20-year delays in U.S. energy policy reform. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).

Markets have recently turned nicely higher, but it might not be for the reason you think. Mark Scheffler, AIF®, hosts this Three Minute Trend Talk™, highlighting current investment and economic issues, clearTREND® recommendations for the positions used in all Appleton Group managed portfolios, global investment trends, and more (select 1080p HD for best resolution, 720p HD for slower connections).